Saturday, March 21, 2009

So I've had some responses to my love story and I wanted to answer some questions.

Reading on the Kindle does NOT cause eye strain. It is not backlit like a computer monitor, so unlike staring at a computer screen all day (or night) and feeling all wonky afterwards it is more like reading a book.

Yes I too love the feel and smell of paper, remember I have a bookworm tattoo ok? I love books, I'm sure I always will. I still have books all around my house. I won't get rid of paper books I am sure, but I also love the feel and smell of TREES which have to die in large quantities to mass produce books. I also am sick of lugging books around with me where ever I go. Spring is right around the corner and I'm sure I will be spending plenty of time at the park, my sexy little kindle weighs alot less then a pile of books LOL.

Another thing I like is the built in dictionary and wikipedia access. I can see how this is going to be helpful for my children. My oldest in particular, when he reads, as he comes across a word he isn't familiar with he just skips it. With the kindle you can place the cursor in front of the word and the definition pops up on the bottom of the screen. You can also access wikipedia so you can do research or whatever right from within the book. You can also highlight text and write notes. I really think that the potential for textbooks with this device is HUGE. I have already heard of people saving money on textbooks and also saving their backs not having to carry around huge backpacks. I think for our children who were raised with the internet this will be really helpful.

Another aspect of the Kindle which I hadn't considered until I bought one was the world of self publishing. Lots of people turn the books they have written into kindle books. I'm sure it is a much cheaper and easier way to get your novel out to the public.

The kindle 2 can hold about 1500 books, magazines, newspapers and blogs at one time. I love that I can have all of that with me at anytime.

I personally am also enjoying the free classics. I might actually read Pride and Prejudice nowLOL.

I don't think it will ever replace books and I certainly hope that the price will eventually come down. I know that lots of the converted are selling their Kindle 1's on ebay and craigslist as they upgrade.

Ok, that's all for today.Have a great day and Happy reading to you, no matter what format you are reading in. :-)

6
comments:

I am soooo intrigued by your Kindle. Now you have me thinking about the textbook possibilities. Our oldest is in university and the lbs of books she lugs is amazing. Where do I go find a list of resources available for Kindle? If not for DD, then for me, and eventually our younger 2.

Great point about the trees not having to die...and the lack of back strain. My backpack was always roughly 7,000 pounds when I was in school - so it would be great for our kids. They are growing up with technology and computers as their main source of obtaining information, so reading books on a handheld device will probably seem totally normal to them anyway and not require any adjustment like it would for "old" people like me! ;0) I am so glad you got such a fun gadget to play with...I think it's awesome!!

I liked this and your other post -- and am now thinking about perhaps trying to score a used Kindle 1 or something. The price for a Kindle 2 is just too much right now, but hopefully an older one won't be as bad. It sounds like such a cool idea, too! TFS! :)

Thanks for posting this! I'm a gadget girl too, and just upgraded my 3G iPod Video to 2G iPod Touch. It's no iPhone, nor is it a Kindle, but I did load the Kindle app and bought Stephen King's short story "UR." Meant to be adjuct to a Kindle 2, the iPod is a back lit and much smaller screen. Cost-wise, I'm still not ready for a Kindle (I have to see how much I spend on my upcoming vacation and figure out my car situation when my lease ends in May!), but I'm a lot closer - mostly due to your affection for yours :-). Thanks again!

I've had my Kindle2 for about 2 weeks and am in love. Once I start reading I don't even think about it not being a paper book.

Like you, I think the dictionary is fantastic. Haven't tried to underline yet. It's something I tried not to do to "real" books and it will take me awhile to readjust to being able to do so without messing up the page.